I'm sure I'm not the only person who read Larry Richichi's tirade about The Valley's "rude and ignorant" locals with a sense of sadness, giving way to deep offense. Sadness that Mr. Richichi, who has apparently lived here all of three years, is regularly greeted with grunts and snarls while doing his daily errands in Waitsfield. I can only assume that if his personal style is at all like his writing style, the "locals" he is forced to deal with simply aren't all that thrilled to see him. I know that I expect, give and generally receive friendly, helpful and caring service when downtown.

I did find truly offensive, however, Mr. Richichi's repeated slights
regarding these "locals" in a variety of areas, ranging from customer
service to housekeeping and property maintenance. This struck me as
especially odd when I considered the fact that Mr. Richichi, during the
drive from his inn in Duxbury to Waitsfield, passes several beautiful,
well-kept farms (we call them "Dairies of Distinction" up here . . .)
and a variety of thriving, vital and, to my eyes, truly scenic
Vermont-owned businesses: Hartshorn's Organics, Kenyon's Variety,
Waitsfield Telecom and the Village Grocery to name just a few of many.

It seems that Mr. Richichi's aesthetic leans more toward what he refers
to as "inexpensive decorations." By this does he mean more inflatable
Santas, plastic pumpkins or illuminated Easter eggs? I'm not sure. I do
know we have the good fortune to reside in one of the most scenic parts
of New England, one that was cleared, settled and farmed by some of the
hardest working people on this green earth.

I've only lived here the last few decades myself, Mr. Richichi, so I'm
not sure whether I should count myself among the "locals" you deride. I
can tell you that I have had the pleasure of working with and even
employing a number of these locals and consider myself a richer person
for it in every way.

As for Mr Richichi's citing of the passing of several local businesses
to illustrate his belief that "the locals don't support us," yes,
businesses here do sometimes come and go. That is part of the business
cycle in a resort area where the quality of life may outshine the
business prospects. People from elsewhere, like me, and perhaps like
Mr. Richichi, relocate here and start businesses and hope they can make
a go of it. If The Valley's business climate doesn't suit you, Mr.
Richichi, don't blame the locals, try learning from them.
Alternatively, perhaps consider moving to someplace where, as you so
succinctly put it, "even if it kills you, put on a happy face and
smile" are words to live by.

Michael Flanagan owns and operates Michael's Good to Go in Waitsfield. He lives in Warren.